Historically, fruit-infused sour beers were a way of preserving the summer harvest. In that tradition, this blonde ale was added to brandy barrels with high-summer peaches, hand-picked by the Loewen family at Blossom Bluff Orchards in Reedley, California. We aged this liquid gold for six months until we needed a reminder that summer will come again. Pair with Prosciutto, crusty bread and fruit preserves.

Shall I say this newish sour from Almanac pours the color of a high summer peach? I shall. Haze is heavy enough to keep much of anything seen through the body but I did just pull this from the box. The head grows easily to a finger in height, snaps, crackles and pops before fading to a thick ring and swirling. Pure white foam decorates the glass thinly on the way down.

If the smell is any indication Almanac has done another great job in their Farm to Barrel series. Spring wildflowers makes my nose twitch, husked grains, and minerality all have their place. Each swirl brings forth a burst of juicy peaches, somewhat alcoholic, like peach brandy as a matter of fact. The fruit and brandy barrel seem to come together as one. A little dusty and a little musty. My mouth is watering.

Flavor is light up front but quickly bursts into bright peach with a mildly acidic aspect. Big vinous notes join the party in the middle and push through to the finish. Musty peach and soft floral notes pass throughout. An undercurrent of husked grains and green apple add welcomed depth. The barrel notes are very soft but the vinous brandy is a nice compliment to the bright peach. As it warms the tart peach invades every nook and cranny.

Mouthfeel, nailed! A light body, somewhat slick, is accompanied by a masterfully executed champagne frothiness. The finish dries up rather quickly and there's enough tartness to give me heartburn halfway through the bottle.

Bright acidic peach leaves its mark. The barrel aging was deftly handled, never getting in the way. Carbonation, near perfection. I have thoroughly enjoyed every Farm to Barrel beer I've had from Almanac, Brandy Barrel Peche being no exception. These guys know what they're doing.

S - Almost smells like a Blue Moon. Not the best smelling Almanac beer I have had. Slightly funky, slightly peachy.

T - This is where it shines, and to be honest, probably the only category that really matters. Sour taste, but not overpowering... almost overpowering. Wave of citrus and peach come at you, followed by a sweet brandy and woody flavor. A little bit of bread in the taste with just enough funk.

O - Overall, a really good sour. I actually prefer Dogpatch and many of Almanacs other sours to this one, but this is a fine addition to their lineup. Definitely more interesting in flavor than the Dogpatch. Love how this beer leaves my mouth watering.

Light straw-orange body - aromas of peach, lemon, apricot jam. Barrel notes are nice, albeit light, though it's hard to really pinpoint the brandy other than the residual sweetness it imparts on the beer. Tart and lively body but a bit of an off grainy finish that didnt sit well with me.